10 Fun Facts About Bison

Bison are iconic animals in North America and also the national animal of the United States. Bison is also called buffalo. Bison are great creatures that has impressed the humans for centuries because of their size, strength, and their historical importance.

They are unique in many terms either you talk about their size or their strength. So let’s go below to discover 10 fun facts about bison that will really blow your mind:

1. Bison Are the Largest Land Mammals in North America

Bison are the largest land mammals in North America in terms of size. A male bison is know as a bull. A bull can weigh up to 2,000 pounds. Females are also very big in size and can weigh around 1,000 pounds too.

Many of people can think that due to this heavy weight they can be lazy animals, but you’ll really be surprised to know that bison can run at speeds of up to 35 miles per hour which is somewhere equal to the speed of a horse!

2. Yellowstone National Park Is Home to the Largest Bison Population

If you want to see bison in the wild in North America then Yellowstone National Park is the best place to visit. Yellowstone National Park holds a record of home to the largest free-roaming herd of bison in the United States.

There are over 5,000 bison that roam in wild here. Due to this Yellowstone National Park is famous and visitors can be seen all over the year here to see bison. This park is habitat to these unique animals, allowing them to live freely in the nature.

3. Bison Have a Distinctive Hump on Their Back

One thing that makes bison unique is their large hump. This hump is not only for show but have a great role in bison’s life. This muscular hump support their large head and help them push through heavy snow while searching for food in winters. This hump make them different from other animals and shows how they have adapted the harsh environment.

4. Bison Play a Crucial Role in Their Ecosystem

As every living being is part of food chain, bison also plays a important role in maintaining the ecosystem. Bison graze the grass and promote new plant growth and help disperse seeds. Their hooves work as natural plow, which helps seeds to germinate. This is how bison contribute to a balanced ecosystem.

5. Bison Can Run and Swim Well

Bison are really very massive in size and as we told before that they are also very heavy weight animals. Despite of their massive size, bison are literally very fast and active animals. They can outrun many predators by running at a speed of 35 miles per hour. This is not only that, bison’s are very good swimmers too. They have very strong legs. They can also cross rivers very easily.

6. Coat Color of Bison Calves

Bison calves are also called “red dogs”. One of the most unique fun fact from these all 10 fun facts about bison of bison calves is that they born with a reddish-orange coat. After a few months, their fur changes to the darker color and become more woolly.

7. Bison Wool Shedding time

Bison wool grows very thick during the winter season, which helps them to stay warm in the freezing cold temperature. But as the winter season come to an end, they shed their heavy coats. It’s very common to see bison’s rubbing against trees and rocks during the springs. They do this to shed their coat in spring.

8. Communication Style

Bison communicate with each other using a wide range of sounds like grunts and snorts and sometimes deep bellows. These sounds help them to keep the herd together, and they use these sounds when in danger. If you’d go the Yellowstone national park, you might hear them talking to each other.

9. Bison Migrate for Better Food Sources

Bison never stay at one place, they are constantly on the move in search of the food (especially fresh grass). They travel long distances in search of food. This migration also helps their body to remain strong, healthy and muscular. Maximum of herds of bison move seasonally. They go towards higher elevation in the summer and lower areas during the winters.

10. A Symbol of Strength and Freedom

Bison are historic animals of American culture, they symbolize strength and freedom. Bison are national mammal of the United States since 2016 due to their historic and cultural importance.

Also Read: What Do Raccoons Eat?

Conclusion: Fun Facts About Bison

Bison are not just giant mammals, but are the key part of North America’s history and ecosystem. Bison are animals that everyone can appreciate. From their strength, massive body structure, to their unique hump, these 10 fun facts about bison highlight why they are appreciated and are the national mammal of United States from a very long time.

We should only do one thing that just enjoy the beauty of these symbolic animals and protect their habitats, so that our future generations can also enjoy the beauty of this wonderful creature. Want to learn more about wildlife and pets? Explore more right here on Dusty Hawk.

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